The 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel: Authentication Guide for This Historic Coin

The 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel: Authentication Guide for This Historic Coin

With counterfeits flooding the market, knowing the specific diagnostic points for this item is critical.

Historical Significance

The 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel represents a pivotal moment in American numismatic history. When James Earle Fraser’s iconic design debuted, it marked the first time a Native American portrait appeared on circulating U.S. coinage. However, this design came with significant production challenges that would ultimately lead to its modification later the same year.

The Type 1 reverse featured the words “FIVE CENTS” on a raised mound beneath the buffalo, with the coin’s fields displaying a distinctive rough, textured appearance. While aesthetically striking, this design proved problematic for mass production. The raised denomination wore away quickly during circulation, and the textured fields caused excessive die wear and poor strike quality.

The beautiful roughhewn fields played havoc with dies, wearing them prematurely and causing problems with strike quality and small die cracks everywhere.

Key Authentication Points

Weight and Dimensions

Authentic 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickels should weigh precisely 5.00 grams with a diameter of 21.2 mm. Any significant deviation from these specifications should raise immediate concerns about authenticity. The coin’s weight is particularly crucial as counterfeiters often get this detail wrong.

Metal Composition

Legitimate specimens consist of 75% copper and 25% nickel. This composition gives the coin its characteristic silver-white appearance with a slight golden hue. The metal should be non-magnetic – a simple magnet test can quickly identify many fakes that use magnetic steel cores.

Magnetic Properties

Authentic Buffalo Nickels are non-magnetic. If your coin is attracted to a magnet, it’s almost certainly a counterfeit. This simple test eliminates many modern fakes that use inexpensive magnetic metals in their construction.

Die Markers and Design Details

The Type 1 design features several distinctive elements that counterfeiters often miss:

• The Native American portrait on the obverse shows fine hair detail and a three-dimensional quality
• The buffalo on the reverse stands on a raised mound with “FIVE CENTS” prominently displayed
• The date (1913) appears on the obverse below the portrait
• The mint mark (if present) appears below the denomination on the reverse

Examine the coin under magnification. Authentic specimens show crisp detail in the feathers of the headdress, individual strands of hair, and the texture of the buffalo’s fur. Counterfeits often appear soft or mushy in these areas.

Common Fakes and Alterations

Several types of counterfeits plague the 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel market:

1. Modern cast counterfeits that lack the sharp detail of genuine coins
2. Altered dates, particularly 1914 or 1915 nickels changed to appear as 1913
3. Gold-plated fakes attempting to replicate the historical “racketeer nickel” scheme
4. Coins struck from incorrect dies or using wrong metal compositions

The historical context of gold-plating adds another layer of authentication complexity. While some unscrupulous individuals did gold-plate Liberty Nickels in 1883 to pass them as five-dollar gold pieces, this practice was not common with Buffalo Nickels. Any gold-plated specimen should be viewed with extreme suspicion.

Testing Methods

Beyond the basic weight and magnet tests, consider these additional authentication methods:

• Specific Gravity Test: Authentic Buffalo Nickels should have a specific gravity of approximately 8.9
• Die Marriage Analysis: Compare your coin to known die varieties and their diagnostic points
• Surface Analysis: Look for casting bubbles, seams, or other manufacturing artifacts
• Edge Examination: The edge should be smooth and consistent, without any irregularities

Production Issues and Design Changes

The rapid modification from Type 1 to Type 2 design in 1913 speaks volumes about the initial design’s problems. Mint officials recognized that the raised “FIVE CENTS” denomination would wear away too quickly, potentially causing confusion similar to the 1883 Liberty Nickel fiasco.

The point is not that a Buff would be gold plated, the fact is that the denomination was wearing away way too fast. It upset some of the older employees who remembered the Gold thing.

Chief Engraver Charles Barber, who never favored the new nickel design, was tasked with creating the Type 2 modification. The solution involved recessing the denomination below the coin’s surface (creating an exergue) and smoothing the fields to reduce die wear.

Market Considerations

The 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel, particularly in higher grades, commands significant premiums due to its historical importance and relative scarcity compared to later issues. However, this value also makes it a prime target for counterfeiters.

When purchasing, always insist on coins certified by reputable third-party grading services. These experts have the equipment and experience to detect even sophisticated counterfeits. For raw coins, conduct thorough due diligence and consider professional authentication services.

Conclusion

The 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel represents both artistic achievement and production challenges in early 20th century American coinage. Its short production run and the subsequent design modifications make it a fascinating piece for collectors and historians alike.

Authentication requires attention to detail, understanding of the coin’s historical context, and proper testing methodology. By focusing on weight, magnetic properties, die markers, and common fake characteristics, collectors can protect themselves from counterfeits while building meaningful collections of this important American coin.

Remember that when dealing with high-value specimens, professional authentication is always recommended. The investment in proper authentication services is minimal compared to the potential loss from acquiring a counterfeit coin.

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